2
Canada
French
Gambling isn't most often associated with reading. Still, there is a lot of literature on the topic, so we prepared a list of 10 best gambling books. Our picks are a great mix of genres and styles. We cover everything from real-life crime and educational books to an award-winning classics. Read on to see our recommendations.
Even if you're a casual gambler, there's no way you've missed out on the talks about card counting as a gambling technique. The "father" of the method, MIT mathematics professor Edward O. Thorp, was the first to research probabilities related to blackjack. However, six students took the research into the field, playing at the best casinos in the country.
They won over $3 million, dominating the house edge due to the perfected mathematics applied to the game of 21. While scrutinized, it is one of those books that showed how much hard work goes into becoming a great gambler.
Although this book's summaries tend to regard it as a true story, it allegedly contains some fictional elements. For a casino enthusiast, Bringing Down The House can be a massive inspiration.
When you think about sports betting, reading a book might not cross your mind. Firstly, the necessary skills are more hands-on, so you might be better off finding a mentor. Secondly, the betting industry changes by the hour, so a book on that topic might not be relevant when you eventually read it.
However, Sharp Sports Betting captures the essential information any beginner needs before jumping into the game. The book outlines the main bet types and strategies, teaches the mathematical foundations behind sports wagering, and excites you about the process. Although Stanford Wong emphasizes the NFL, you can still learn valuable information on wagering in general.
Beat the Dealer by Edward Oakley Thorp was the first of its kind. It completely changed views on blackjack strategy and introduced gamblers to card counting. The author was a mathematics professor at MIT, and his extensive knowledge of probability theory led to the invention of a revolutionary technique for use in a blackjack game.
This card counting technique revealed that players can gain an advantage over the house by using a mathematical approach. It was later used to develop new strategies and systems for the game. It’s a must-read if you’re interested in blackjack and want to take a chance on your skills rather than just luck.
As the title implies, the book delves into the art of poker. It explores the author, Maria Konnikova’s journey to becoming a professional poker player. Insights from being a total novice to competing in high-stakes tournaments are tied to psychological revelations that are also applicable to everyday life.
Understanding human behaviour is an essential part of poker. Not only that, it’s just as crucial to manage your own emotions. And both are lessons that are at the crux of not only succeeding at poker but also in life.
Journalist Simon Kuper and economist Stefan Szymanski take a data-driven look at soccer. The book reveals how the mechanics of the game go far beyond what happens on the field. It examines aspects like historical context and social theories to unravel what shapes soccer’s popularity.
Soccernomics will deepen your understanding of the business and cultural side of soccer. The comprehensive look at the phenomenon of soccer, infused with data analysis, will provide a fresh angle at the world’s most popular sport.
Another book we recommend poker players read is The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky. This is considered one of the most influential books about poker ever published. It outlines the principles of poker, including the game’s psychology and strategy. There’s something useful here for any level of skill, although this book will mostly be illuminating for novice and intermediate players.
If you intend to take poker seriously, this is a comprehensive read covering the theory, mathematics, and psychology of the game. It will definitely help you refine your playing style.
While published at the beginning of the 2000s, this book is surprisingly descriptive about today's internet gambling scene. Bill Haywood outlines how to take advantage of internet gambling and stay alive, and he does it fun and engagingly.
The book takes a holistic approach to internet casinos, bonuses, and being savvy while gambling online. Yes, some parts are dated, but it's a must-read for anybody interested.
This gambling guide by Michael Shackleford is more of an intermediate course on various tactics and strategies. It's aimed at people already familiar with the basics and want a deeper dive into the mathematical analysis of winning more at casinos.
The book discusses 19 casino games, deconstructing them so that you can understand their essence and how to win them. However, sports betting and Three-Card Poker receive special treatment.
Frugal gambling might seem a counterintuitive concept. Still, it's beneficial to look at various sides of casino games. While some gamblers sit in presidential suites and go on to wager $100,000 on one hand of poker, others make more savvy and calculated decisions.
The goal is to gain an edge against the house. In this book, you'll learn everything about coupons and getting more comps from flights and casinos. Jean Scott's Frugal Gambler is about less bold and more intentional steps to rip as many benefits as possible.
Our list of gambling books concludes with Trading Bases by Joe Peta. Inspired by quantitative trading skills acquired during a career on Wall Street, Joe Peta outlines how to make more informed bets on Major League Baseball games. He deep dives into a data-driven approach to managing risks.
In addition to the technicalities of sports betting, Peta discusses his life journey and experiences on Wall Street.
Books about gambling reveal that games of chance go way beyond plain entertainment. Whether you want to improve your card counting skills or enjoy lessons from experienced gamblers, there's something valuable to gain from literature about gambling.
